Ben Zobrist

Does this weekend's series with the first-place Cardinals feel weightier than a typical set of games in May? Is an 18-17 record and fourth-place standing at this point of the season cause for concern? Are you a longtime Cubs fan?

If you answered "yes" to the last question, you probably answered "yes" to the first two. Here are 10 reasons why it's not too early to worry about the 2017 Cubs.

1. One and done

Let's face it: Repeating as champions in any sport is difficult, but it seems especially tough in baseball. The last three World Series champs failed to make the playoffs the next season, and the last National League team to win...

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Does this weekend's series with the first-place Cardinals feel weightier than a typical set of games in May? Is an 18-17 record and fourth-place standing at this point of the season cause for concern? Are you a longtime Cubs fan?
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Does this weekend's series with the first-place Cardinals feel weightier than a typical set of games in May? Is a 17-17 record and fourth-place standing at this point of the season cause for concern? Are you a long-time Cubs fan?
If you answered "yes" to...